Unpredictable Pakistan reached the final of the T20 World Cup beating favourite New Zealand by 7 wickets in the first semifinal at Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia on Wednesday.

The team now will face India or England on Sunday next in the concluding match of the tournament.

Chasing 153 runs, Pakistan skipper and opener Babar Azam scored 53 runs off 42 balls which is the best score of Babar in this tournament as he didn’t get runs in bat. Another opener wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan scored 57 runs from 42 balls.

Earlier in the first innings, New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell struck an unbeaten 53 off 35 as his team posted 152-4 in 20 overs.

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi was the best bowler for his side with 2-24 and struck in just the first over when he trapped Finn Allen leg-before for 4.

After winning the toss, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson opted to bat first.

Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul